There are two types of lira. One has a "through-carved" body made
from a solid piece of wood. The other has a more typical construction
with staves, a back plate, and bent sides. The latter is
superficially similar in some ways to the tekerő, while the former
has little similarity at all. Denise, can you post a picture of your
instrument so we can see what type you have?
The lira, at least if it is "traditional" and not a modern instrument
that borrows from other styles and regions, also lacks a buzzing
bridge (unlike the robust Hungarian-style bridge) and is diatonic
(the tekerő is usually fully chromatic). The shape and general body
construction of the second type of lira is similiar to the tekerő,
but beyond that there really isn't much in common. The lira typifies
an eastern Slavic construction style and tradition, while the
Hungarian instrument comes out of an Austrian (specifically Tyrolean)
tradition that was brought into Hungary, probably in the 1800s,
possibly displacing an earlier tradition (if it wasn't already
extinct) of more Slavic-style instruments.
The picture of a lira on Andrey's site is a good example of the
second type or lira.
-Arle
Actually, the tekerő and the lira have some pretty important
differences,
On Jul 9, 2007, at 11:04 AM, Cecilia Patko wrote:
Hi Dunyah,
I don't live in the States, I live in the UK, and I play Hungarian
hurdy
gurdy (tekero). They are more or less similar to liras and there
are a few
players in the US too. But I am sure sooner or later you will find
Ukrainians too. And don't forget to check out Andrey Vinogradov's
site:
http://www.myspace.com/avinogradovhurdygurdy
Good luck with your new instrument!
Cecilia
On 9/7/07 15:37, "d" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hello everybody,
My name is Denise, aka Dunyah. I am new to the list. I've been
enjoying the
discussions about hgs in films and also the myspace links. Lots of
great music
out there!
I am also a brand new hg owner. I have a Ukrainian lira. Does
anyone else out
there play this type of hg? I am still in process of getting it
set up.
Ordered strings, rosin, cotton and DVD from Alden & Callie. Are
there any hg
players on the list who live in Oregon or Washington, within
striking distance
of Eugene? I would love to meet you and see a real live person
playing the
gurdy!
I am hoping to attend Over the Water in Sept.
I am beginning to realize that this is not just a musical
instrument, it's
alifestyle! :-)
Thanks for any replies, and have a great day playing your gurdies.
--Denise in Oregon
Dunyah, aka Denise Gilbertson
Director, Americanistan
Music Inspired by the Middle East
http://www.americanistan.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
541-484-5071
